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Fibromyalgia and Cellgevity

Although the connection of fibromyalgia to low glutathione has not yet been studied extensively, suboptimal glutathione levels have indeed been found in patients with fibromyalgia. In one study that examined 37 patients versus 37 healthy controls serum glutathione and catalase levels were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia than in controls. In addition, the correlation between glutathione level and morning stiffness was found to be significant. The research team came to the conclusion that these two antioxidants might have impact on the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia. (Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study. Sendur OF, Turan Y et al. Rheumatol Int. 2009 Apr; 29(6):629-33).

Chronic inflammatory state is always accompanied by low glutathione levels because it produces high amounts of free radicals that the antioxidant network and glutathione have to work extra hard to neutralize. An inflammatory state accompanied by an altered stress response, manifested by an increased release of inflammatory cytokines, high circulating levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammatory biomarker), and high levels of cortisol (the so-called “stress hormone” elevated levels of which are connected with a whole host of health concerns and a suppressed immune system), were found in 25 fibromyalgia patients in the study Inflammatory/stress feedback dysregulation in women with fibromyalgia (Bote ME, García JJ et al.) published in Neuroimmunomodulation in 2012.

It is not clear whether low glutathione levels are a cause or a result of fibromyalgia. However, in her book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” Phyllis Balch, CNC, mentions the following possible triggers of fibromyalgia:

chronic stress

anxiety

depression

lack of sleep (especially restorative deep sleep)

overexertion

grief

trauma

infectious illness

All of them are known factors of glutathione depletion, especially if nutritional deficiencies of glutathione building blocks and cofactors are present (not at all an uncommon thing in our fast-paced lives). Additionally, none of these possible triggers exists alone, and their combined effect, aggravated by daily exposure to toxins, becomes a tipping point for glutathione levels.

RAISING GLUTATHIONE AS A TREATMENT FOR FIBROMYALGIA

Treatment for fibromyalgia aimed at raising and maintaining optimal glutathione levels may be the key to successful reversal of the fibromyalgia symptoms.

For example, in one placebo-controlled study fibromyalgia patients were treated with SAMe which is the amino acid methionine partially converted to cysteine. Cysteine is a crucial building block for glutathione. The availability of cysteine is a limiting factor in how much and how fast cells can produce glutathione. Our bodies are able to convert methionine into cysteine, SAMe being an intermediary step in this process. The resulting cysteine can be used for glutathione production. However, this process can be easily interrupted if there are nutritional deficiencies of folate and vitamin B-12 (both are glutathione cofactors), a common occurrence in fibromyalgia patients who often suffer from malnutrition. Although SAMe was used in this study primarily to address depression (most common medical use of SAMe) and the glutathione levels were not the subject of investigation, this treatment for fibromyalgia showed that the number of painful anatomic sites decreased after administration of SAMe. (Evaluation of S-adenosylmethionine in primary fibromyalgia. A double-blind crossover study. Tavoni A, Vitali C et al. Am J Med. 1987 Nov 20;83(5A):107-10). SAMe is mentioned as one of the possible ways to improve glutathione levels in the book “Glutathione (GSH). Your body’s most powerful protector” by Dr. Jimmy Gutman.

Oxidative stress decreased and all antioxidant parameters improved in the study that examined the effects of 12-week combined exercise therapy in 30 fibromyalgia patients. Pain intensity, the number of tender points and depression scores improved significantly as a result of this therapy. The conclusion was reached that “we should focus on oxidative stress in the treatment for fibromyalgia with the main objective of reducing oxidative load”. (Effects of 12-week combined exercise therapy on oxidative stress in female fibromyalgia patients. Sarıfakıoğlu B, Güzelant AY et al. Rheumatol Int. 2014 Oct;34(10):1361-7). Moderate exercise is known to improve glutathione levels.

Also, treatment for fibromyalgia with the glutathione cofactors, vitamins C and E, resulted in lower lipid peroxidation levels after 12 weeks of supplementation. Plasma concentration of reduced (active) glutathione was lower in the patients than in healthy controls and it increased with supplementation. Glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes was also increased. (Vitamins C and E treatment combined with exercise modulates oxidative stress markers in blood of patients with fibromyalgia: a controlled clinical pilot study. Nazıroğlu M, Akkuş S. Stress. 2010 Nov; 13(6):498-505).

Our Glutathione Levels are Decreasing. Unfortunately, our glutathione levels are depleted as we age. The older we get, the harder it is to maintain optimum glutathione levels. This means our cells don’t work as well and our overall health and wellness pay the price.

What would it take to optimize and maintain glutathione levels to give the body a chance to start the healing process? There are many ways to raise glutathione: natural supplements, foods, cofactor vitamins and minerals, pharmaceutical interventions like Cellgevity, and most importantly – the amino acid precursors, especially cysteine(found in Cellgevity, and in the form that the cells can use, without which the GSH molecule cannot be formed.

Our bodies don’t have to fight on their own. Certain vitamins and nutrients have been shown to assist in glutathione function and production. The key is finding ways to effectively support our bodies’ glutathione levels. Unfortunately, we can’t just take glutathione; we need to find ways to help our bodies produce it naturally. Max’s proprietary RiboCeine™ technology is the solution for effective supplementation for optimal glutathione production.

Help Your Body Protect Itself

Cellgevity is Max’s premiere formula and features our proprietary RiboCeine™ technology, a special blend of D-Ribose and L-Cysteine, combined with an all-star collection of 12 complementary ingredients to more effectively enhance the function of glutathione within your body.

Our bodies create glutathione to defend against violent attackers like free radicals, chemical toxins, heavy metals, and other influences that can negatively affect our overall health. Glutathione also works to regulate, recycle, and repair other antioxidants within your body. As we age, the levels of this important molecule are depleted by every-day trauma including physical and mental stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep.

Safe for Professional Athletic Use

*Specially formulated to contain no contaminants or banned substances as certified by the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG) giving professional athletes worldwide the confidence to use Max products within competition.

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About IWG

As Max International Associates we are determined to lead the wellness and nutritional industry in delivering quality products based on science and science-based proprietary formulations that support the body in it's production of Glutathione, one of the body's super anti-oxidants.